Georgian President Mikheil Kavelashvili attended a solemn church service at Svetitskhoveli Cathedral in Mtskheta town and congratulated Georgia and Georgians living abroad on the Svetitskhovloba holiday.

“We are in a historic town, holy cathedral, Svetitskhoveli, which is called a merging of land and heaven. The Lord’s Robe was placed here, inspiring Georgians for centuries with pride and devotion. The Lord’s Robe remains an essential symbol of our nation and Christianity. It was this robe that motivated Saint Nino to come to Georgia and spread the Christian faith. Nino’s preaching played a pivotal role in the conversion of King Mirian and Queen Nana, and ultimately the entire nation, which continues to stand steadfast in its love for God.

Despite all the hardships, we stand here today united by this faith. Our identity, culture, and future are deeply inspired by it. It is also important to recognise that in modern Georgia, our confidence as Georgians is rooted in our Orthodox faith and our Mother Church, which has earned us a reputation as a resilient nation. Our faith holds immense power.

I cannot but mention our Catholicos-Patriarch, His Holiness and Beatitude Ilia II, whom we owe our firmness in Christ’s faith,” said the President.

On October 14, the Georgian Orthodox Church celebrates Svetitskhovloba, a national holiday dedicated to the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (“the Living Pillar Cathedral”) in Georgia’s historic town of Mtskheta. Svetitskhovloba is observed twice a year – on October 14 and July 13.